Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Nathu La In Sikkim To Resume After Years; First Batch Of 50 Pilgrims To Reach Gangtok On 15 June

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route in Sikkim is set to resume, with the first batch of 50 pilgrims expected to reach Gangtok on 15 June.

The pilgrimage was suspended for several years due to strained relations between India and China.

The Sikkim government has made extensive preparations to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of the pilgrims, reported The Statesman,

C S Rao, additional chief secretary of Sikkim’s tourism and civil aviation department, said two designated liaison officers will accompany each group of pilgrims throughout the journey.

Pilgrims will undergo a mandatory five-day acclimatisation programme in Gangtok before proceeding to the high-altitude pilgrimage.

Medical facilities and connectivity infrastructure have been set up at key locations along the route, according to Rao.

The first group is scheduled to cross into China via Nathu La on 20 June.

According to the proposal under consideration, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang may flag off the first batch of pilgrims at the pass.

The Nathu La route had gained traction among pilgrims prior to the suspension, as it is considered less physically demanding and more scenic than the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.